With
growing numbers of BC registered cycling clubs, it is becoming much more common
for cyclists to be members of more than one club, and the issue of what this
means affects some CC Weymouth members, so we have written this explanation of
the position with regard to 2nd claim membership, and championship points.

History

The
history of 2nd Claim membership is that belonging to cycling clubs has
historically been much like football club allegiance – a lifelong association,
and the current structure of club membership with first and second claim status
reflects this.

When
cyclists moved area they would often retain membership of their original club,
joining local clubs as second claim members to:

a)
support the club whose events they were riding by paying the membership fee;
and/or

b)
enable them to enter district championship competitions that they would not be
able to earn points in riding for their first claim club, because it was in a
different region.

Traditionally,
second claim members are not given points in championship tables, because they
join the club for the reasons above, rather than to be part of club
competitions. This rule also prevented good riders joining two clubs that are
close to eachother, and devaluing the competition by competing for victory in
two championships.

This
remains the normal membership position, and is the case for members of other
local clubs such as Poole Wheelers, and indeed virtually all clubs in the UK
organising time trials under CTT rules - including CC Weymouth.

Road Racing and TimeTrialling

The
two disciplines of Road Racing and Time Trialling fall under different
governing bodies, so the issue of 2nd claim membership is split: riders who are
members of two clubs can decide to be 1st claim of one club in road racing, and
2nd claim for time trialling, or vice versa.

As
CC Weymouth does not organise any road races currently, the principle issue is
the 1st claim club for Time Trialling – riders who are members of two clubs
must decide which is their first claim club for points.

Declaring 2nd Claim membership status

Prior
to March 2015, we assumed members joining online were joining CCW as the first
claim club, unless informed otherwise. In future this will be checked, so if
you are a member who would rather race in Time Trials for another club this
season, and therefore do not wish to take part in the CCW points championship,
but would like to support your local club through the payment of membership
fees as a second claim member, please email secretary@ccweymouth.co.uk as soon
as possible.